Enersen, Skinner To Divorce

Local TV news anchor Jean Enersen and her husband of more than 12 years, businessman Paul Skinner, are divorcing.

Enersen and Skinner confirmed in a brief statement, released through a KING-TV publicist, that the marriage - Enersen's second - was ending.

"We are sorry to confirm we are divorcing. As everyone who has been through a divorce knows, it is an extremely painful time. We hope people will respect that and that those who love us will support us," read the statement in its entirety.

Skinner is the president of Skinner Corp., an investment company that ranks as one of the largest privately held corporations in the state. He also is a regent for the University of Washington and since April 1992, a member of the board of directors of The Seattle Times Co. He also serves on the board of directors of Seafirst Bank, Safeco Corp., and the University of Washington Medical Center.

The couple has two young daughters. Enersen had no children from her previous marriage to cinematographer Dick Enersen. That marriage also ended in divorce.

Enersen, who grew up in the area and attended Mercer Island High School, joined KING-TV in 1968 and has been there ever since, making her one of the steadiest presences in a business known for its mutability. Enersen regularly tops local polls asking viewers to name their favorite Seattle anchor.